DeMarcus Lawrence on franchise tag: 'I just want to be the best'

DeMarcus Lawrence seems to have a positive attitude, all things considered.

On Monday, the Cowboys announced their decision to place the franchise tag on their star defensive end. Lawrence signed the tender the same day.

Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones confirmed that the team was comfortable with paying Lawrence the tag number of $17.143 million in 2018.

On Tuesday in Frisco, Lawrence told ESPN: “At first I was kind of like, ‘Man, I’m supposed to get a long-term deal, but you know what? It’s a golden opportunity for me to go out and show them I’m really worth the money. And plus, my number will be bigger next year, and I can add a couple extra dollars in my pocket. That’s how I look at it. Instead of being mad about something I can’t control, you go out and embrace it.”

The Cowboys hope to work out a long-term contract extension with Lawrence and his agent by the middle of July.

He also stated that he planned to attend the team's voluntary off-season program as well as organized team activities.

This story was originally published March 6, 2018 at 3:00 PM with the headline "DeMarcus Lawrence on franchise tag: 'I just want to be the best'."